Power topic #9019 | Technical information from Cummins Power Generation
Power system considerations
for cell tower applications
White Paper
By Wissam Balshe, Group Leader,
Sales Application Engineering
Industry predictions estimate that
in 2011 and again in 2012, 75,000
new off-grid telecommunications
cell towers will be built in developing
countries. Over 50 million additional
wireless subscribers are expected
in Africa alone over the next two
years. Experts in Asia and South
America are estimating the wireless
market to grow about 7–10% every
year for the next five years. Most of
these cell towers will need generator
sets, either for emergency backup in
urban areas or as the prime source of
power in remote locations. This paper
examines the factors to be considered
in designing and configuring these
generator sets.
The reliability of the grid
Because the power grid is not always reliable
in many parts of the world, just extending the
grid won’t answer the need. Concerns about
the reliability of the grid are especially common
in rural regions of developing countries. But
these concerns apply to the grid in many
urban areas as well. Many so-called “standby”
generator sets installed at urban cell towers
are in fact running for several hours every day.
With the sustained rise of global energy prices,
the fuel costs of running these diesel, natural
gas or propane generators are a major piece
of the total cost of ownership (TCO) for these
cell towers. For example, the fuel cost (as a
percentage of TCO) could be as high as 64%
for a typical 12 kW diesel generator running
for about eight hours per day. This cost is
driving many telecom cell tower operators to
consider other power system options, which
are covered in the Market Trends appendix of
this paper.
Power system configuration One generator set or two
for cell towers In most regions, a standby power system configuration
typically uses 3-phase AC output power, where the
Let’s consider the power system configuration, types
single-phase loads are balanced equally among the
of loads and important generator set features for any
three phases. Most cell tower operators in North
cell tower application.
America and Europe use one diesel-fueled generator
for emergency backup to the main utility power. But in
developing countries and prime power markets, two
generators are typically used: one running continuously
and alternating with the other generator set weekly, or
whatever interval the automatic transfer switch (ATS) is
set to use.

The differences in the size of transceivers, ambient

environmental conditions, type of rectifiers and inverters
used in the switch mode power supply (SMPS),
number and size of batteries, and other factors (such
as maximum allowable fuel tank size limit or design
for future load expansion) are the major variables that
need to be considered when selecting the generator
set and power system configuration for the cell tower.
At the same time, there are certain loads that every
base transceiver station (BTS) will use. These loads
are pictured in Figure 2, which shows a typical one-line
electrical layout for a base station employing a 12 kW
(15 kVA) generator set that would meet the demands of
a cell tower in most regions.

Two telecom tower installations in Tanzania, Africa.

Power requirements for base transceiver stations (BTS)

vary widely depending on a number of factors:

Is the site indoor or outdoor?

Is the location urban or rural?
In which region is the site?

In light of these variables, it is unrealistic to create

one load profile for all cell tower power system
configurations. Figure 1 summarizes regional variations
for most generator set system requirements.

Region Duty Load Profile

Figure 2 - Typical electrical layout for loads on a telecom base station.
7.5–40 kVA, 1- & 3-phase, depending
Africa Prime mainly on the size and number of
air conditioning loads

Asia Pacific Prime 25–40 kVA, 3-phase

Latin America Prime 5–30 kW, 1-phase

Middle East Prime 25–40 kVA, 3-phase

02 Power Topic #9019

North America Standby 20–60 kW, 3-phase

Figure 1 - Power system requirements by region.

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As you can see, the load consists mainly of microwave
radio equipment and other housekeeping loads such as
lighting and air conditioning units. The actual BTS load
used on the cell tower is powered via the SMPS, which
is the direct current (DC) power plant. In some regions,
such as India and East Asia, the SMPS is typically part
of a more complex power interface unit (PIU), which
includes the transfer switch and a static line conditioner
to maintain the critical operation power input between
the utility and generator(s). The PIU also protects the
equipment from input power supply surges due to
lightning, monitors the health of the battery and controls
the charging rate of the battery banks. The rectifiers and
inverters in the SMPS and PIU systems have minimal
power losses, and run at efficiencies as high as 95–98%
with a power factor close to unity.
Indoor units and air conditioning
When it comes to indoor base stations, air conditioning
units play a major role in determining the size of the
generator set needed. Most indoor BTS loads require
air conditioning during the summer. Typically there will
be two air conditioning units: a primary and a secondary
unit. It is rare, however, for both air conditioning units
to run at the same time, so in sizing the generator set,
the engineer should assume it will start and operate
only one unit at a time. For outdoor applications,
there is no requirement for air conditioning, hence no
need to supply a large alternator to meet the starting
requirements of air conditioning units. A smaller
generator set can be used.
Minimal harmonic distortion
Some harmonic distortion in the power system is to
be expected when operating non-linear and rectifier-
based loads such as those used in the SMPS. It is
worth noting, however, that many telecom operators
regard the power supply voltage output distortion as
minimal, because of the fast switching frequency of
the transistors used in the rectifiers. Voltage output
distortion is also mitigated by the oversized alternators
supplied on most generator sets to meet the locked
rotor current requirements of the air conditioning
motors. These oversized alternators help to reduce the
total system impedance (reactance). Consequently,
there is no further need to oversize the alternators as
one would with other applications that use similar loads.
48V and -48V current
Although other voltages are possible, most radio
transceiver loads used in telecom base stations run
on a -48V DC bus. This practice originated in the early
days of telephony, when 48V DC was found to be
suitably high for long telephone lines but low enough to
prevent serious injury from touching the telephone wires.
Consequently, most electrical safety regulations consider
DC voltage lower than 50V to be a safe low-voltage
circuit. It is also practical, because this voltage is easily
supplied from standard valve regulated lead acid (VRLA)
batteries by connecting four 12V batteries (like those
used in cars) in series, making it a simple system.
The positive grounded or -48V system is another
survivor from earlier industry practice. Negative voltage
on the line was found to be superior to positive voltage
in preventing electrochemical reactions from destroying
copper cables if they happen to get wet. Negative
voltage also protects against sulphation on battery
terminals. Sulphation, the buildup of crystals of lead
sulphate, is the leading cause of early battery failure.
DC and AC loads, VRLA batteries
The distribution panel in Figure 2 also shows other
essential AC bus loads that are energized from either
the generators or utility mains. They consist mainly of
air conditioning units (single- or 3-phase) and lighting
(single-phase). Other typical AC loads that can be put
on the generator include fuel pumps and ventilation
booster fans in the generator room. Although not
shown in Figure 2, it is also common to use DC-to-DC
converters in the power system to provide +24V DC for
certain loads, such as those used to run diesel room
inlet or outlet air damper motors, remote monitoring,
control systems, DC lights and/or DC-powered heaters.
In some configurations, a station of VRLA batteries
is the standby source of power, usually running in
parallel with a generator set, to save on fuel costs. In
such configurations, the generator set operates only
to charge the batteries when it senses that the DC bus
voltage is low after a long outage. However, there are
concerns over the reliability and actual reserve time
available in using VRLA batteries when the float voltage
is applied continuously — especially in prime power
applications — because of the high number of cycles
when the batteries discharge.
03 Power Topic #9019
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If such configurations are used, a battery management
system should always be specified to continuously
monitor the batteries’ voltage and command the battery
charger to provide the appropriate trickle charge to
keep the batteries floated. Typically, the generator is not
used to float the batteries, but rather to provide the high
current needed for the battery charging or to supply the
load directly if the batteries fail. Such hybrid systems
that combine batteries with one or more generator sets
may be fuel-efficient, but the batteries’ maintenance
costs and the added complexity need to be considered
when analyzing the TCO; they may not be economical
for typical standby applications.
Design factors: sizing the
generator and alternator
The first thing power system designers need to address
is size. They need to know the total steady-state
requirements of all the equipment on the cell tower that
will be powered by the generator set, and then match it
with the right alternator to supply the locked rotor amp
(LRA) requirements for starting the air conditioning units
in the BTS room (for indoor installations). It’s important
to note that the LRA could be as high as 6 times the
rated full load amp (FLA) output of 3-phase motors,
and up to 12 times the FLA for single-phase motors.
Similarly, the alternator also needs to meet the steady-
state reactive power requirements of all other loads in
the BTS. This requirement explains why the alternator
is typically oversized by about 150–200% of the actual
kW needed to power the cell tower. The oversizing of
the alternator also improves the transient voltage dip
that occurs when starting the air conditioning units
and minimizes the total harmonic distortion (THD) on
the voltage output of the generator set caused by the
rectifiers in the SMPS.
Keep in mind that oversizing the alternator may
require a bigger engine or prime mover to drive it. This
approach may be desirable because it allows for future
growth on the tower if needed, but it might not be an
energy-efficient solution. In addition to the higher capital
cost, it will increase the operational costs to run the
cell tower. A bigger engine will also have a higher fuel
consumption rate, and mean additional maintenance
and service costs (for example, to mitigate wet stacking
and carbon buildup in the exhaust when running lightly
loaded). A bigger engine will also emit more particulate
matter (PM) in its exhaust.
Other factors to consider
There are other technical considerations to keep in
mind when selecting the generator set.
 or BTS stations located in residential locations, a
F
quiet generator set is required. This can be achieved
by housing the generator set in a sound-attenuation
enclosure. Specifying a critical muffler is not a
complete solution, because there are other sources
of noise besides the exhaust, e.g., the radiator fan.
 or rural and remote locations, the generator should
F
have at least eight input/output dry contacts and
relays for remote monitoring devices, as well as an
oversized fuel tank and fuel pressure sensors.
 or sandy and dusty environments, heavy-duty air
F
filters should be used.
 or wet and humid environments, specify aluminum
F
enclosures and anti-condensation heaters to prevent
insulation failures and short circuits between the
windings in the alternator stator.
 or cold climates, engine block and oil heaters are
F
required, especially for standby applications.
 pecify a permanent magnet generator (PMG)
S
excited system for generator sets above 25 kW. A
PMG will eliminate the effect of a distorted voltage
output caused by the BTS non-linear (rectifier) loads
on the generator set’s automatic voltage regulator
(AVR). It also has better field-forcing capabilities for
air conditioning motor starting than a self-excited
generator would provide.
 se discharge recalculation dampers for cold
U
climate sites to save energy costs in heating the
generator room.
Alarms
There are shutdown alarms and warning alarms on
the generator set. The shutdown alarms include
overspeed, overvoltage, overcurrent, undervoltage,
high engine temperature, overcrank, low oil pressure,
and circuit breaker trip. The warning alarms notify the
operator of the following:
 oss of fuel pressure and fuel level (important
L
because of vandalism and theft concerns in many
04 Power Topic #9019
remote locations)
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 Low battery bus voltage
Start switch not in auto
Remote/manual start
Engine oil temperature
Alarms can also be linked to other parameters that can
help the operator flag any potential problems that could
lead to the generator set shutting down, and potentially
dropping its loads.
Factors to consider with the
automated transfer switch
The automatic transfer switch (ATS) can be integrated
with the generator set. This practice reduces installation
costs, but it is not recommended, especially for prime
power applications, because the generator sets in these
applications are typically replaced every five to eight
years, depending on region and duty. An integrated ATS
would thus be replaced unnecessarily, adding to the TCO.
When used in a 3-phase, 4-wire system, a 4-pole
simultaneously switched neutral ATS is recommended
to isolate the grounded conductors. A neutral ATS
prevents the possibility of nuisance tripping of the
overcurrent devices and ensures proper grounding of
the systems when a separately derived generator set is
desired (a solidly grounded generator set with a bond
between neutral and ground). A 4-pole ATS will avoid
problems caused by unwanted multiple ground fault
current paths created by improper system bonding, and
ensure that ground fault protection equipment on both
sides of the ATS is sensing 100% of the ground faults
when they occur.
To protect equipment from damage when the cell tower
is hit by lightning, which is very common, transient
voltage surge suppressors (TVSS) should be used on
the utility side and load side of the ATS. In addition,
DC surge protectors should always be used on all
communication and networking devices on both sides
of the ATS.
1
Refer to the Cummins Power Generation white
paper PT-6006, “Grounding of AC generators
and switching the neutral in emergency and
standby power systems, part two,” for more
details on the grounding of AC generators.
Summary
There are no universal features recommended for all
generator sets used in telecommunication cell tower
applications, because requirements and duty ratings
vary from region to region. In general, for standby
applications in urban areas connected to a reliable
utility grid, standard generator set features as required
by local codes and regulations should be sufficient.
In other words, there is nothing unique about a
standby generator set used in such telecom cell tower
applications. However, when specifying generator sets
for prime duty applications, such as those used in
remote cell tower applications and some urban sites in
developing countries, an oversized fuel tank with fuel
alarm sensors, and 8–10 dry contacts and relays for
remote monitoring are recommended. A fuel-efficient
engine, or the use of batteries to supply the BTS load
for a few minutes of power interruption or during peak
demand, will save fuel costs substantially, and lower
the operating costs of running the cell tower.
Appendix: market trends
Certain trends in the telecom industry have a direct
impact on generator set power requirements for cell
towers. A recent survey by Cummins Power Generation
shows that many telecommunication equipment
vendors are making considerable investments in the
development of more efficient equipment to reduce
the capital expenses (capex) and operating expenses
(opex) associated with standby power systems.
No air conditioning
Radio transceivers are being designed to handle
high ambient temperatures, in order to eliminate air
conditioning in the cell tower BTS shelter. The impact of
this trend is substantial, because air conditioning more
than doubles the size of generators needed for steady-
state operation.
For example, in a typical cell tower, the BTS load
itself requires only about 2 to 3 kW, but up to 12 kW
generator sets are being used to meet the occasional
peak power requirements for starting air conditioning
units. Therefore, as the use of the high ambient
switching radio equipment increases, the size of the
generator set required to power future telecom cell
towers will be reduced substantially.
05 Power Topic #9019
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Energy-efficient radio equipment
In addition to the reduction in the starting power
requirements from eliminating air conditioning units,
the steady-state power requirements are also being
reduced. To cut capital and operating costs, telecom
companies are investing heavily in the development of
more energy-efficient radio equipment to reduce the
total power consumption and hence, the size of the
generator set and ATS required for the BTS station. This
trend will lower the initial capital cost, and with smaller
generator sets, will also reduce the operating (mainly
fuel) costs of cell towers.
Building materials sites (less than 2 kW). Other solutions use natural gas
To have an energy-efficient cell tower does not
always require investing in new technologies for BTS
equipment. Some telecom operators are switching to
simpler cell tower designs. For example, the shelter
traditionally was built from brick and concrete, but
now many operators are using high-thermal-efficiency
plastic, which reduces the energy costs for operating
cell towers. All these new design considerations and
technology improvements in BTS equipment and
shelters are dropping the generator size needed for
telecom cell towers from 12 kW to about 5 kW.
Policy changes and
shared equipment
Certain trends in the telecom space are driven by public
policy, which may have a direct impact on the power
requirements of cell towers. For example, in many
developing countries, governments are requiring the
use of backup power at telecom sites due to the critical
nature of their service during a national catastrophe.
However, they are also requiring providers to share
towers and equipment to reduce the number of towers
and their environmental impact. Accordingly, multiple
operators are entering into agreements to share
infrastructure and support equipment such as the tower
itself, shelters, generators and accessories, thereby
reducing costs substantially. Third parties are also taking
advantage of this trend, building cell towers and leasing
space on them to multiple operators. These towers
have separate radio equipment for each operator, but
still share one generator.
This trend of sharing towers by different operators is
reducing the number of cell towers needed to cover
a region or network, but it is also increasing the size
of the generators needed to run these towers. This
increase in generator size is also being driven by the
increased demand for 3G and 4G data services used
by smartphones.
Alternative energy sources
and DC generators
Finally, in response to government subsidies and fuel
cost savings, telecom prime power markets are utilizing
more renewable energy solutions to power their cell
towers. Some towers are powered by wind turbines or
photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, especially for small load
or variable-speed DC generator sets for better fuel
economy and efficiency. However, due to the variability
in wind speed across the globe, wind-only solutions
are likely to be restricted to locations with abundant
wind resources such as coastal and mountainous
regions. The efficiency of PV is still an issue, and solar
cells are more expensive than conventional power
generators, hence less economical for large sites.
Until green power sources become more economical
and efficient, telecom operators will continue to use
traditional generators to power their cell towers, but
many will start combining the generator with wind and
solar cell power sources. These hybrid energy systems
will create new opportunities for DC generators, which
explains why many telecom market analysts expect the
DC generator set market to grow at an annual rate of
5–7% over the next decade.
Looking ahead
In the next 5 to 10 years, telecom equipment
manufacturers will continue to reduce the power
consumption of BTS equipment. This trend will mean
smaller generator sets. Manufacturers will continue
to explore hybrid power systems that use renewable
energy sources or batteries running in parallel with
generator sets.
Some generator set manufacturers will start developing
DC or variable-speed generators to meet the increased
fuel-efficiency requirements of cell tower sites. Most
manufacturers, however, will continue to supply
synchronous-speed AC generators with oversized
alternators to meet the starting power requirements
of air conditioning units, but these generators will be
06 Power Topic #9019
driven by smaller and more fuel-efficient diesel engines.
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About the author
Wissam Balshe, Group Leader, Sales
Application Engineering — Commercial
Products, joined Cummins in 2007 as a
point of contact for generator set sizing,
codes and standards, transfer switches and
general standby power systems application
considerations. He graduated from the
University of Minnesota in 2002 with a B.S. degree
in electrical engineering. He then worked for three
years as an Uninterruptible Power Supply System
Engineer and then two years as an Aerosol Technology
Application Engineer, detecting and analyzing
particulate matter from engine exhaust emissions.
07 Power Topic #9019
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PT9109 (04/11)